ICC to decide Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan’s fate after Asia Cup gesture controversy. Will Pakistan miss two key players in the final? (Image Credit: NDTV Sports)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) will hold a vital disciplinary hearing today against Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for their actions during the Asia Cup Super 4 match against India. The issue has created a lot of controversy in the cricket fraternity, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially filing complaints regarding the incident.
The controversy erupted during the high-stakes India vs Pakistan encounter in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025. Both Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan were caught on camera making aggressive gestures that were interpreted as provocative by the Indian players and fans. These actions, seen as unsporting, reportedly breached the ICC’s Code of Conduct and the spirit of cricket, leading to today’s hearing.
The BCCI wasted no time in lodging an official complaint, adding that such gestures increase tension in otherwise emotionally charged fixtures between the two arch-rivals. Sources verify that BCCI officials, including COO Hemang Amin, were present during initial talks. The Indian board has insisted on disciplinary action, claiming that upholding the decorum of the game is vital given that millions of viewers are watching all over the world.
The ICC hearing will determine whether the two Pakistani cricketers will be fined, receive demerit points, or potentially even face suspension. The PCB will plead that the gestures, though inappropriate, were not followed by verbal insults or physical intimidation, insiders say. This may happen to be in their benefit, and the punishment can be less severe.
Interestingly, India's Suryakumar Yadav was called by the ICC last week as well over some remarks made by him after the match. Yadav pleaded "not guilty" and was told by the ICC to keep such remarks to themselves in the future. His case has been shut, however, without any punishment.
This is just two days ahead of the India-Pakistan showdown that will be the first time that both teams have faced off in an Asia Cup final in the event's 41-year history. The atmosphere is charged, and the decision at this hearing may go a long way in dictating the tone for the highly-awaited final on September 28.
